Autumn
Last year I did an online course (Making connections. Mark Layer and stitch) with Cas Holmes and Fibre Arts Take Two. Cas uses wallpaper paste on the fabric instead of a stabiliser when doing machine embroidery. I used this technique at the end of the course to make a sample, which worked out really well, and which was the inspiration for this piece:-
However, this time I thought that as I was doing the freemotion on the background and wadding it would work, but the free motion quilting was so dense that it distorted the background to the point that it would have been very difficult to quilt the rest into submission. So I had to cut out the tree, cobble together a new background from the scraps left, then appliqué the tree to it. At which point I discovered that I hadn't quite caught all the background under the applique and had to apply a little glue in one or two places. The quilting has taken longer than anticipated, as I decided to add seeding to give more texture to the background. It's a little smaller than planned as a result, but despite all the problems, I'm pleased with it. The photo of the sample gives a truer idea of the colours. The weather has been very overcaste here, and not likely to change in the next few days, so I've not been able to get a decent photo. Will I be able to change it later?
You know what, Jinnie? As quite often happens, mistakes turn into inspirational, positive opportunities. The cut-up background is way more interesting and that little yellow leaf 'applique' (yes, I know it's not an applique but it looks like it) is perfect.
ReplyDeleteI am fascinated that Cas uses wallpaper paste to stabilize the fabric. Do you have to wash it out later? Wouldn't the moths have a field day if not? I'm sure it makes it easy to handle (at a small scale!). I have been doing some machine embroidery of lace Christmas tree decorations in a hoop - I use two layers of wash-away stabilizer which you rinse out but leave some in to dry a bit stiff. I then did an embroidery for a cushion on fabric and forgot to use 'tear-away' stabilizer!!! Lesson learnt, it's OK but I should really give it a good wash when the cushion is finished.
I'll look into whether you can change an image later.
Well done, I really like the end result.
Bestest, Hilary
The background is made up from parts of the the original background swapped around with additional pieces. I think what makes it more interesting than the sample is the seeding, which gives it more texture.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of moths. Do they eat wallpaper paste?! The wallpaper paste softens as you stitch, though you can wash it out if you want, but I didn't want to use it for this quilt as I thought the wadding would give enough stability. You live and you learn!
Jinnie I really love the end result. The texture is wonderful and it gives such a different look to the piece. I think you have really done yourself proud with this piece of work and it was well worth all the effort you put into it, so well done on a really good piece you can be really pleased with.
ReplyDeleteYou must be delighted with the result of your hard work .Well done.This is a lovely piece . Rosemary
ReplyDeleteLove the technique you have used and the results in both are excellent. The added embroidery to the yellow leaves is perfect. I have one or two of Cas Holmes book/s. Must get them out again as I love her work.
ReplyDeleteI love her books and learnt a lot from them. The two month internet course with her was excellent.
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